The Rison's are a bustlin family of 5. Don the dad, Jen the mom, Emma the eldest, Grace Ellen our middle child, and of course the boy...Eli. We hope this blog can keep our family and friends closer by being able to share glimpses of our crazy life!

Sunday, December 16, 2007

White Christmas!!! I pray this snow stays until then. It was so beautiful to wake up to the sparkling white snow before it was disturbed by snow plows and foot prints. The kids could not wait to get out and play in the fluffy white winter surprise. After about 15 min getting everyone bundled up, they finally ventured out. Surprisingly it wasn't too cold out, especially when running around. Eli was a bit scared at first. Though curious he was a bit apprehensive of the snow. Once he realized he was safe and it was just wet and cold, he had a blast. Gracie had to completely immerse herself in it and made a couple snow angels. Emma was loving playing w/ Eli and thought it was funny to throw snowballs at her brother and sister. After about 45 minutes outside they came in to warm up, took off their snow garb, had a cookie....and yes! nap time. It's a beautiful time of year!

Friday, December 14, 2007

It's Christmas time here at the Rison's. We have been busy shopping, wrapping, baking, and cleaning (altough you can't really tell). The kids are so excited and ready for Santa. Emma made a custom cookie just for Santa, and Gracie's loving all the Christmas shows, Eli loves to throw his toys in the tree! This season goes so fast so I am really trying to slow down and enjoy it all! Merry Christmas!

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Happy Halloween! Today was trick or treating in our small town and though it only lasts and hour, I'm exhausted! We met up w/ Karla, Davey, and Faith at grammie Janes. Karla, Davey, Don, and I all are sick with colds and by the end of the night poor Davey and Ka progressively were getting worse :( Besides the sicky bugs trying to ruin our good time we had so much fun. I'm glad it only comes once a year though!

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Today I let the kids try on their Halloween outfits so we could get some pics to Auntie La for project she's working on. I just planned on taking a couple but they looked so cute and were so excited about dressing up I gotta bunch of really good ones. The girls picked out an outfit yesterday at Walmart and both wanted to be witches. And I may be a bit biased but I think they are the cutest dang witches I ever did see. And don't even get me started on my little pumpkin... he refused to take it off the rest of the day. He thought he was sooo funny! We all can't wait for trick or treat.

Sunday, October 14, 2007

As promised we went to the applebutter fest today and I am completely exhausted! It was so crazy busy this year. And we all agreed next year the kids are staying home w/ the men. Of course we had a great time, it has become a sort of family tradition.

After we had a b-day party for cricky and grandma. So everyone went back to grammie janes for chili, pizza, and cake.

I didn't take as many pictures as I would have liked but take a look at our day...

Saturday, October 13, 2007

We are having such a great weekend. The Shilakes's are here for the apple butter fest. So today we all went to the zoo. it was such a great day for it too. It was cool but not too cold and it wasn't too busy. We got to see the Hippos fighting, the polar bears swim, elephants, giraffes, rhinos, and much more. Everyone had such a great time. We had so many kids with us it got a bit confusing every once and while but they all did great and we ended up leaving with all the same ones we arrived with! Tomorrow is the Apple butter fest so I will be posting more then!

Monday, October 8, 2007

This Saturday all the little Sadowski cousin's met at grandma Pats house for a Princess party sleepover. Emily provide the reason, her 9th birthday, and all had a wonderful time. It was so nice to see grandma and papa lee as well as the rest of the family. The little ones played so nice together and the princess crowns and purses were a hit. They all got to swim in the hot tub (in the 90 degree heat), eat hot dogs, ride bikes, played house, watched movies, and of course had birthday brownies. Grams loved watching all her great-grandchildren running around the house. And the next day we all made it to church- and on time for grandma's annointing. She has had a rough year almost dying twice and just had a blood clot in her eye which makes her see double. Keep her in your prayers. I know she felt so blessed to have us all their in her home!

Sunday, September 30, 2007

It's that time of year, FALL! Time for colorful falling leafs, pumpkins, apples, cider, and all the fun that goes along with it. So to get into the spirit of Autumn Lou and I took our families to the pumpkin patch to let the kids pick their pumpkins. The market we go to has a free corn maze for the kids. I am either older and more out of shape or it was longer than usual. After we made it out (back thru the entrance) we went to pick out our pumpkins. Eli was in his glory with all his "pump-ins" and Gracie wanted everyone she spotted and Em had to pick the perfect one. After getting a couple more fall necessities we payed and left. What fun and I can't wait for all the upcoming fall festivities... Applebutter fest here we come!

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Everyone has that person that you never know what to get them for Christmas/birthday's etc... Well I have an idea, my talented sissy has been busy crafting. She has been making home made signs. She does rustic, Americana, seasonal, and customized signs. I will post some pics of them once she sends them to me. And if anyone is interested please let me know and I can give you her contact info.

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Gracie started preschool yesterday and being the "last minute mom" I forgot to charge the camera. So I took pics today and brought it with me so I could get pics at school too... but then forgot it in the van. So I only got a couple and will get more tomorrow when I drop her off. She is doing so well at school. Mrs. Annie loves her and said she listens so well (yeah I thought that was hilarious too). She also commented on how well mannered she is. It is so funny how different kids act when away from their parents. She's only at school for 2 1/2 hrs but she comes home exhausted:) Yesterday she was so excited when she got home she wouldn't take a nap...today she passed out pretty much as soon as she hit the couch! Our new schedule will take some getting use to...but all will be normal before we know it:)

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Yesterday was Em's first day of school. She started the 4th grade. I can not believe how fast she is growing. It seems just like yesterday I was in the fourth grade, attending brownies, and trying to act all grown up. I at least had older sisters to somewhat keep me in my place. Em is my little pre-Madonna. So much attitude and bossiness (actually she is too much like me- it's scary). But she is so caring and understanding at the same time. I met her teacher Mrs. Chisea today (since we were on vacation we missed the open house). We realized we actually graduated together, so that was neat. She seems very nice and had great things to say about Emma. Please keep Em in your prayers that she continues to do well in school and that she can be a light to her school mates. We will keep you posted.

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

We got back from our Rison family vacation Sunday. We had such a great time. It was the kids first time going to the ocean and they loved it. Em had a blast w/ her boggie board (once she got the nerve to go out far enough to work). Gracie loved to go out w/ mommy and daddy to jump the waves. Little E' didn't want anything to do with the water but was in his glory w/ all the sand! We saw some great sights... The wright Brothers Memorial, Queen Elizabeth II ship, visited some sand dunes and several light houses, and stopped at Yorkstown, and Jamestown on our way back. check out our pics (we took tonz)!

Thursday, August 2, 2007

JUST AN UPDATE ON THE PACI SITUATION...IT WILL BE A WEEK TOMORROW AND YES THE PACI'S ARE STILL GONE. GRACIE STILL ASKS FOR HERS EVERY NIGHT AND EVERY NIGHT WE GO OVER WHERE THE PACI'S WENT AND THAT SEEMS TO HELP. ELI HAS BEEN DOING GREAT AND BOTH THE KIDS REALLY HAVE BECAME ATTACHED TO THEIR SPECIAL SNUGGLE FRIENDS. AFTER ALL IT REALLY WASN'T AS BAD OR HARD AS I THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO BE!

Saturday, July 28, 2007

TODAY WE DECIDED TO GET OUT OF THE HOUSE AND HAVE SOME FUN TOGETHER AS A FAMILY. SO WE WENT AND GOT SOME MC DONALDS DOLLAR ITEMS AND WENT TO THE PARK. IT WAS SO MUCH FUN. WE ATE, PLAYED, AND I WISH A NAP FOLLOWED... BUT UNFORTUNATELY ELI WAS THE ONLY LUCKY ONE WHO FELL ASLEEP! NOW I HAVE TO GET THESE CRAZY KIDS ASLEEP FOR THE NIGHT, WISH ME LUCK:)

ELI WENT TO THE DENTIST FOR THE FIRST TIME ON THURSDAY AND IT WAS GRACIES 2ND VISIT...BOTH WERE CAVITY FREE. WHICH IS A HUGE FEET FOR MY LITTLE ONES PROVIDED ALL THE CANDY AND TREATS THEY SNEAK:) BUT WE DID HAVE BAD NEWS THEIR PACI'S ARE TOTALLY MESSING UP THE ALIGNMENT OF THEIR TEETH! SO THE PACI'S HAVE TO GO! THIS IS NO LITTLE MATTER IN OUR HOUSE. I RELY ON THE PACI'S AS MUCH AS THE LITTLE ONES TO HELP SETTLE DOWN TEMPERS AND GET THEM TO SLEEP EASIER. BUT I HAD TO DO SOMETHING AND NOW I HAD PROFESSIONAL BACK UP (THE DENTISTS)! IT WAS TIME TO ROUND UP THE LITTLE CULPRITS AND HAVE A VISIT FROM THE PACI FAIRY! I GAVE THEM ONE MORE NIGHT WITH THE LITTLE SUCKERS BUT THE NEXT DAY WE ROUNDED THEM ALL UP. PUT THEM IN A BAG AND HUNG THEM ON A TREE FOR THE PACI FAIRY. SHE IS REALLY FAST TOO. IT WASN'T BUT A MINUTE AND SHE FLEW OFF WITH HER BAG OF PACI'S AND LEFT A SPECIAL NIGHT TIME FRIEND FOR THE LITTLE ONES TO HELP THEM SLEEP. GRACE AND E WERE SO EXCITED...THEY LOVE THEIR LITTLE SNUGGLE FRIENDS AND ACTUALLY DID PRETTY WELL FOR THE FIRST NIGHT W/OUT A PACI. GRACE WAS A BIT MORE UPSET THEN E'. SHE JUST KEEP SAYING..."OH NO, MY PACI IS ALL GONE, I DON'T WANT TO BE A BIG GIRL". BUT SHE GOT THRU W/ A LITTLE HELP FROM HER BIG SISSY! SO ALL IS WELL AND PACI FREE IN THE RISON HOUSE, CAN'T WAIT TO SEE HOW NAP TIME GOES....SAY A PRAYER FOR US:)

Sunday, July 15, 2007

THE CHICKEN FESTIVAL IS OUR LITTLE TOWNS BIG HULLABALOO OF THE YEAR AND EVERY ONE COMES OUT FOR THE CLOSING PARADE. MISS DIANE LIVES ON THE PARADE ROUTE AND INVITED US TO SIT AND WATCH AT HER HOME. SHE EVEN PROVIDED THE LITTLE ONES WITH BAGS FOR CANDY (WHICH OF COURSE I FORGOT-THANKS DIANE). THIS WAS ELI'S FIRST PARADE AND IT TOOK A WHILE FOR HIM TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS GOING ON. BUT ONCE THE CANDY STARTED FLYING HE FIGURED IT OUT REAL QUICK. BESIDES THE CANDY HE WAS TOTALLY INTO THE FIRETRUCKS AND COOL CARS! GRACIE COULDN'T BELIEVE HOW MANY PRINCESSES LIVED IN OUR LITTLE TOWN. AND ALONG WITH DADDY AND UNCLE DAVEY WE ALL WAITED TO SEE FAITH, DAVEY, AND AUNTIE KA ON THEIR FLOAT! AND IT WAS OVER AS QUICKLY AS IT STARTED. CLICK TO LOOK AT MORE PICS.

This weekend was the chicken fest and so I took the kids to ride some rides! Gracie my thrill seeker had no problem loading onto the tilt-a-whirl then the swings... The big girls had their hearts set on winning a hermit crab, thankfully none did! E and Gracie played the fishing game and won squeaky hammers. I don't know what I was thinking getting hammers w/ my crazy kids. They started right off bonking each others heads and fighting. We had a great time and today were heading off to the parade.

You gotta love the generosity of kids. Jordan (my niece) wanted to have a lemonade stand and found out thru Sunquist if you vow to give your proceeds to charity they send you a cool lemonade stand. So with recipe in hand Grammy took Jordan and Hannah and Em to buy the ingredients. Jordie researched charities and found an orphanage in China and specifically a boy who when turns 14 will have to leave the orphanage. So all three girls made the best hand squeezed lemonade I've ever had. They made $10 in just a 1 1/2. They were so proud and appreciative. So the money is off to China to make a difference...because of three little girls. They make us so proud!

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Today Gracie, E, and I went up to Sauder's camp ground where Grammy and crapa (gracie's word for grandpa) were, to swim. The pool and hot tub were so relaxing...well I'm sure they would be if it weren't for my little independent EI who wants to do everything himself...even swim. What he doesn't realize is that if it weren't for momma holding him up he would not stay above water too long! Gracie is my little fish and loves to swim and it was so good to see my em who's been w/ Grammy and papa since yesterday! After swimming we went back to the camp site and Grammy and papa made hamburgers and hot dogs. There is something about camping food it always seems to taste better. After dinner Gracie and Davey stole Jordan's baby dolls to play house in the pop-up while Em and Jordie played brats and Hannah went around documenting every ones movements!...Once we left we stopped by Auntie Lou's house for a short visit. Eli had a blast w/ some old matchbox cars lou picked up from a garage sale and Gracie played w/ ria and her princess toys!

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Today Auntie Ka and I took the little ones to the butterfly house for a special day. Grammie and Pappa Rison took the older ones camping so to ease the pain we decided to have a special mommy day! Our first stop was Mc Donalds for a lunch treat and play. Then we were off to the Butterfly house. We were in awe of all the butterflies fluttering around our heads. They were so beautiful! If you get a chance check out our pics . http://picasaweb.google.com/jen.rison/ButterflyHouse71107?authkey=RADVyypASeI

Friday, July 6, 2007

We went to Auntie Cindy's for a 4th of July picnic. This year we had 2 extra special reasons to celebrate. Cousin Davo was home from Iraq and Cousin Dana's miracle baby Jeremiah (3days old) joined the celebration. We ate and played all day and the night ended with our own firework celebration put on by our very own hero of the day...David. We had such a wonderful time visiting with all our family. Davo will be heading back soon and he will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers!

Today we went to Swanton to watch fireworks. Auntie Ka, Davey, and Faith came along... as well as cousin Kelly too. The kids played with their beach ball and of course found many new friends! Once it became dark enough the festivities began. Emma and Grace were in awe and little E' couldn't keep his eyes off the booming lights in the sky!